Guys...you can't expect everyone to (want) to write about the Flames. I too am a Leafs fan who happened to have watched and followed the Flames since I was a young kid living in the Prairies...but it can be tough for folks who do not follow the team to offer any insight. I'm sure the site is taking flyers on suggested bloggers as a few have reached out to me already.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I want Tanner for sheer entertainment factor....even though I hate him, I know the content/arguments will be fresh. Bring it on.

I heard the Janny was looking good in the Frozen Four. Chipped in a few points but from what I understand he's got a really good all around game. Should be interesting how he turns out!
- The-O-G

He sounds more like Colborne 2.0 to me than anything else... although he seems to have better hands in traffic, and might be better defensively too.

I'd love to add a guy like Petry, he's a guy that can be part of the core for the next 7-8 years. Williams is a little on the old side, and has a lot of miles. I wouldn't mind signing him, I get why they would, be he wouldn't be my #1 target.
- The-O-G

Who would you look to add as a forward?

He sounds more like Colborne 2.0 to me than anything else... although he seems to have better hands in traffic, and might be better defensively too.
- jtommyt

Which wouldnt be terrible...but considering where he was drafted and what was given up in his place...meh

Which wouldnt be terrible...but considering where he was drafted and what was given up in his place...meh
- Colin Dambrauskas

1 21 Calgary Mark Jankowski
1 22 Pittsburgh Olli Maatta D
1 23 Florida Michael Matheson
1 24 Boston Malcolm Subban
1 25 St. Louis Jordan Schmaltz
1 26 Vancouver Brendan Gaunce
1 27 Phoenix Henrik Samuelsson
1 28 NY Rangers Brady Skjei
1 29 New Jersey Stefan Matteau F
1 30 Los Angeles Tanner Pearson

1 21 Calgary Mark Jankowski
1 22 Pittsburgh Olli Maatta D
1 23 Florida Michael Matheson
1 24 Boston Malcolm Subban
1 25 St. Louis Jordan Schmaltz
1 26 Vancouver Brendan Gaunce
1 27 Phoenix Henrik Samuelsson
1 28 NY Rangers Brady Skjei
1 29 New Jersey Stefan Matteau F
1 30 Los Angeles Tanner Pearson
- Colin Dambrauskas

Man, Maatta was a steal. By far the best player in that range. Schmaltz could still turn out to be pretty good as well though. Pearson IMO is a bit overrated but LA still got very good value.

Who would you look to add as a forward?
- jtommyt

I dont mind your Stafford suggestion.

I'd look at a guy like Eric Fehr maybe, he has some size and skill. Could maybe breakout a bit if given the chance.

Matt Belesky. Just the type of guy we need on the third line. He could possibly even play on a line with Bennett.

Curtis Glencross. Lol Jk.

1 21 Calgary Mark Jankowski
1 22 Pittsburgh Olli Maatta D
1 23 Florida Michael Matheson
1 24 Boston Malcolm Subban
1 25 St. Louis Jordan Schmaltz
1 26 Vancouver Brendan Gaunce
1 27 Phoenix Henrik Samuelsson
1 28 NY Rangers Brady Skjei
1 29 New Jersey Stefan Matteau F
1 30 Los Angeles Tanner Pearson
- Colin Dambrauskas

Mehhhhh....other than Matta that list doesn't really make me mad. Hindsight though. I don't blame the feast.

1 21 Calgary Mark Jankowski
1 22 Pittsburgh Olli Maatta D
1 23 Florida Michael Matheson
1 24 Boston Malcolm Subban
1 25 St. Louis Jordan Schmaltz
1 26 Vancouver Brendan Gaunce
1 27 Phoenix Henrik Samuelsson
1 28 NY Rangers Brady Skjei
1 29 New Jersey Stefan Matteau F
1 30 Los Angeles Tanner Pearson
- Colin Dambrauskas

But we were also able to grab Seiloff in that deal, so if he makes it and Janko turns into even a regular 3rd liner that trade is a win for me. Hopefully Seiloff takes a step forward this year. That staff infection really hurt his development

I dont mind your Stafford suggestion.

I'd look at a guy like Eric Fehr maybe, he has some size and skill. Could maybe breakout a bit if given the chance.

Matt Belesky. Just the type of guy we need on the third line. He could possibly even play on a line with Bennett.

Curtis Glencross. Lol Jk.
- The-O-G

I was very much thinking Belesky even before the 2nd round series. But not as a third line, but a 2nd line guy. That's where he is playing for Anaheim right now with Kessler. He gives size and a physical edge that is greatly needed in the Flames top 6. And he's only 26 so he will be around for quote some time. And the guy can put the puck in the net. He had 22 goals in only 65 games this season. And he must have some defensive ability as being matched with Kessler means a lot of defensive zone starts.

If you keep the top line the same then you can start to build a second line around Bennett at center. Put Belesky on the left side, and ideally (but maybe not ready for next season) Poirier on the Right side. That shapes up to be a physical and relentless line with some definite scoring touch.

I'm not saying to break the bank on the guy, but if any team has an idea of what he is capable of it is definitely the Flames right now.

Granted I also think that the Flames first round draft target should be a power forward / winger. I know a lot say to build the defence, but once the top three defense prospects are gone (Hanifin, Werenski, and Provorov), and they will be gone by the time 15th comes along, I don't see anything much better than they can get with their 2nd round picks. With how defensemen develop it is very common for a 2nd round defenseman to become a draft day steal. So try to draft a guy line Crouse, Rantanen, Meier, or maybe Bittner. Work to try to move up a little in the draft, they do have three 2nd round picks that can be added to their first to try to move up.

Just some thoughts with taking the next step for this team.

But we were also able to grab Seiloff in that deal, so if he makes it and Janko turns into even a regular 3rd liner that trade is a win for me. Hopefully Seiloff takes a step forward this year. That staff infection really hurt his development
- Saskabush

Seiloff is looking like a bust on defence as they moved him to forward on Addy. Take a look at what was taken before Janko up to our pick:

14th Girgensons looking good on Buffalo
15th Ceci Not too shabby playing on D for Ottawa
16th Wilson Big truculent power RW sure could have used him against Anaheim
17th Hertl Had an awesome rookie season, not bad pick
18th Tervanienen I don't want to talk about this missed one
19th Vasilevskiy Having him, Gilles & Ortio would have been quite something in net
20th Laughton I think his prospects of playing NHL is better than Janko & Seiloff

This the reason you don't trade down when you are talent starved like we were in 2012. Seiloff & Janko were huge roll the dice gambles. How sweet would any one of those players fit with our current group. See any needs that could have been addressed?

Seiloff is looking like a bust on defence as they moved him to forward on Addy. Take a look at what was taken before Janko up to our pick:

14th Girgensons looking good on Buffalo
15th Ceci Not too shabby playing on D for Ottawa
16th Wilson Big truculent power RW sure could have used him against Anaheim
17th Hertl Had an awesome rookie season, not bad pick
18th Tervanienen I don't want to talk about this missed one
19th Vasilevskiy Having him, Gilles & Ortio would have been quite something in net
20th Laughton I think his prospects of playing NHL is better than Janko & Seiloff

This the reason you don't trade down when you are talent starved like we were in 2012. Seiloff & Janko were huge roll the dice gambles. How sweet would any one of those players fit with our current group. See any needs that could have been addressed?
- Kevin R

Seiloff was playing forward?

I want Tanner for sheer entertainment factor....even though I hate him, I know the content/arguments will be fresh. Bring it on.
- The-O-G

You obviously love me.

You obviously love me.
- James_Tanner

Like a bad case of crabs...

You obviously love me.
- James_Tanner

Hey at least you care about hockey...I dont really get your blogs, I dont know if its supposed to be funny or serious and what not, but it generates some good reaction haha.

Seiloff is looking like a bust on defence as they moved him to forward on Addy. Take a look at what was taken before Janko up to our pick:

14th Girgensons looking good on Buffalo
15th Ceci Not too shabby playing on D for Ottawa
16th Wilson Big truculent power RW sure could have used him against Anaheim
17th Hertl Had an awesome rookie season, not bad pick
18th Tervanienen I don't want to talk about this missed one
19th Vasilevskiy Having him, Gilles & Ortio would have been quite something in net
20th Laughton I think his prospects of playing NHL is better than Janko & Seiloff

This the reason you don't trade down when you are talent starved like we were in 2012. Seiloff & Janko were huge roll the dice gambles. How sweet would any one of those players fit with our current group. See any needs that could have been addressed?
- Kevin R

I wouldn't read too much into Seiloff playing forward (never did hear this though). Ramage was demoted to the ECHL last season and he was beggining to make a push to overtake Wotherspoon on the depth chart this year (judging by BTL comments at a presser).

Seiloff was one of the youngest players on Addy last year (the youngest defenseman BTW) and he missed a full year. I still have hopes for him to turn in to something, and wouldn't be surprised if he makes a case for himself at training camp next year.

I was very much thinking Belesky even before the 2nd round series. But not as a third line, but a 2nd line guy. That's where he is playing for Anaheim right now with Kessler. He gives size and a physical edge that is greatly needed in the Flames top 6. And he's only 26 so he will be around for quote some time. And the guy can put the puck in the net. He had 22 goals in only 65 games this season. And he must have some defensive ability as being matched with Kessler means a lot of defensive zone starts.

If you keep the top line the same then you can start to build a second line around Bennett at center. Put Belesky on the left side, and ideally (but maybe not ready for next season) Poirier on the Right side. That shapes up to be a physical and relentless line with some definite scoring touch.

I'm not saying to break the bank on the guy, but if any team has an idea of what he is capable of it is definitely the Flames right now.

Granted I also think that the Flames first round draft target should be a power forward / winger. I know a lot say to build the defence, but once the top three defense prospects are gone (Hanifin, Werenski, and Provorov), and they will be gone by the time 15th comes along, I don't see anything much better than they can get with their 2nd round picks. With how defensemen develop it is very common for a 2nd round defenseman to become a draft day steal. So try to draft a guy line Crouse, Rantanen, Meier, or maybe Bittner. Work to try to move up a little in the draft, they do have three 2nd round picks that can be added to their first to try to move up.

Just some thoughts with taking the next step for this team.
- dal_johnson

I like Beleskey too... Carl Soderberg also intrigues me for the same reasons. Personally, I'm with you on the draft strategy. If we can pick up a good young forward at #15, there are plenty of defensemen available later in the draft who all have good upside.

I'm personally hoping that Ryan Pilon falls far enough that we can pick him up in the 2nd round.

Seiloff is looking like a bust on defence as they moved him to forward on Addy. Take a look at what was taken before Janko up to our pick:

14th Girgensons looking good on Buffalo
15th Ceci Not too shabby playing on D for Ottawa
16th Wilson Big truculent power RW sure could have used him against Anaheim
17th Hertl Had an awesome rookie season, not bad pick
18th Tervanienen I don't want to talk about this missed one
19th Vasilevskiy Having him, Gilles & Ortio would have been quite something in net
20th Laughton I think his prospects of playing NHL is better than Janko & Seiloff

This the reason you don't trade down when you are talent starved like we were in 2012. Seiloff & Janko were huge roll the dice gambles. How sweet would any one of those players fit with our current group. See any needs that could have been addressed?
- Kevin R

Let's not forget here, we traded DOWN from 14 as well, so yeah, it's a significant downgrade when you look at the guys playing in the NHL today and what they have accomplished

I like Beleskey too... Carl Soderberg also intrigues me for the same reasons. Personally, I'm with you on the draft strategy. If we can pick up a good young forward at #15, there are plenty of defensemen available later in the draft who all have good upside.

I'm personally hoping that Ryan Pilon falls far enough that we can pick him up in the 2nd round.
- jtommyt

Would love to have Beleskey in our lineup, would be better if he played RW though.

I like Beleskey too... Carl Soderberg also intrigues me for the same reasons. Personally, I'm with you on the draft strategy. If we can pick up a good young forward at #15, there are plenty of defensemen available later in the draft who all have good upside.

I'm personally hoping that Ryan Pilon falls far enough that we can pick him up in the 2nd round.
- jtommyt

My only thing with Soderberg is that he's a center, and The Flames don't need to add anybody at center. They will have centers in Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund. So I don't see a need to spend on another center into that mix. The only way I would is if the intent is to permanently shift Bennett to the wing (which I think would be a mistake).

Would love to have Beleskey in our lineup, would be better if he played RW though.
- Nucker101

I get that the Flames have a need for a Right Handed Shot, but now with Baertschi and Glencross gone there isn't the log jam at LW that there used to be. At least not those that I would consider to be top 6 forwards. To me Bouma and Ferland are better suited as third line with the potential to play up (I also still very much like the idea of Bouma, Backlund, and Colborne as the third line shut down line). Klimchuk might develop to there but that may be high hopes.

They won't split up the current top line unless they start to really struggle, regardless of which hand they may shoot. And they have put a lot of time and development into shifting Poirier to play RW. So if one believes that Poirier will be a top 6 guy, then the open spot right now is the second line LW, and they need it to be somebody with a physical side to his game. And a guy like Belesky will fit in perfect there

I get that the Flames have a need for a Right Handed Shot, but now with Baertschi and Glencross gone there isn't the log jam at LW that there used to be. At least not those that I would consider to be top 6 forwards. To me Bouma and Ferland are better suited as third line with the potential to play up (I also still very much like the idea of Bouma, Backlund, and Colborne as the third line shut down line). Klimchuk might develop to there but that may be high hopes.

They won't split up the current top line unless they start to really struggle, regardless of which hand they may shoot. And they have put a lot of time and development into shifting Poirier to play RW. So if one believes that Poirier will be a top 6 guy, then the open spot right now is the second line LW, and they need it to be somebody with a physical side to his game. And a guy like Belesky will fit in perfect there
- dal_johnson

Back the truck up.....(frank) it.

We should also get Fehr:

GAUDREAU MONAHAN HUDLER
BELESKY BENNETT FEHR
BOUMA BACKLUND COLBORNE
FERLAND GRANLUND POIRIER

Back the truck up.....(frank) it.

We should also get Fehr:

GAUDREAU MONAHAN HUDLER
BELESKY BENNETT FEHR
BOUMA BACKLUND COLBORNE
FERLAND GRANLUND POIRIER
- The-O-G

I'm down for this

I'm down for this
- Nucker101

Are you sure you arent scared?

Back the truck up.....(frank) it.

We should also get Fehr:

GAUDREAU MONAHAN HUDLER
BELESKY BENNETT FEHR
BOUMA BACKLUND COLBORNE
FERLAND GRANLUND POIRIER
- The-O-G

No thanks on Fehr. He's injury prone, does not use his size at all, and only seems to have marginal success in Washington where he can pass the puck to Ovechkin. He tried elsewhere in Winnipeg, which was his home town team, and pretty much failed there. He's better if he can play center, but he wouldn't crack this line up at center. He may prove as a place holder until Poirier was ready for that spot, but there already guys under contract that can fill that spot for now.

I'm more in favor of:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Belesky - Bennett - Poirier (or Jones until Poirier is ready)
Bouma - Backlund - Colborne
Ferland - Jooris - Bollig (maybe Ganlund at center and Jooris to wing)

Then there is also Klimchuk down the line and whomever they draft this year.